This week, I spent three days visiting a school as part of a school inspection team. It is always a privilege to visit other schools, to speak to pupils and staff, observe lessons, to understand their approach to pastoral care and academic support, and to witness the wider co-curricular opportunities available to their pupils. As Headmaster, I am also lucky enough to have some time to visit lessons across the Junior School to see the wonderful teaching and learning opportunities that take place. This morning, I saw a Year 3 class working on their vlogs about the Junior School in Computing, another class building tetrahedron structures in DT and testing their structural integrity, and a Year 3 lesson on consolidating multiplication strategies in Maths. In Science, Year 6 were holding sheep hearts and seeing how the lungs work in their topic on the human body. Another Year 6 class was practising their non-verbal reasoning for their entrance exam tomorrow, whilst a Year 5 class was learning about Alfred the Great in History. The enthusiasm and learning of the pupils was wonderful to see as was the skillful and nurturing teaching on display.

On Monday this week, the Playground Pals led our school assembly on Anti Bullying Week and the importance of using our ‘powers’ to make a difference and spread kindness across the school community. It was wonderful to see so many boys proudly wear odd socks to show our support and recognition of all our differences.

Good luck to all the Year 6 boys sitting the Entrance Exam tomorrow, especially as for many of them this will be the second Saturday in a row they have been in school. Last Saturday, we held a very successful Open Morning and as always, the Year 6 boys were a credit to the school, leading our visitors on tours around the buildings and sharing their experience of Junior School life. Many visiting parents commented on how enthusiastic and mature the boys were, answering questions, sharing their knowledge and being polite; well done to you all.

Wishing you all a restful weekend,

John Bond